The Chris Gayle Academy

The Chris Gayle Academy is run by Cricket For Change, funded by Comic Relief, and opened in London in 2013. It will also open in Jamaica in 2014.

18 young people will be selected to undertake a journey of self development and the Academies will target and support a range of 16-24-year-olds who may be excluded from school, ex-offenders, refugees, gang members or otherwise not in edicuation, employment or training.

"The Chris Gayle Academy will not just provide a cricketing opportunity but will also equip a gorup of young people through building up their confidence, giving them the right life and training skills to go back into their communities and inspire oher young people to move in the same direction as them," Donovan Miller, Cricket For Change Chris Gayle Academy Manager said.

Coach Danny Baker added: "The CGA is a unique opportunity to engage in cricket and at the same time, take positive steps forward in your life.

"With the help of Comic Relief and the great man himself (Chris Gayle), we are determined with this programme to help young people strive to what they truly want to be."

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The Chris Gayle Foundation is a charitable cause aiding youngsters in making good choices, understanding consequences of actions, setting achievable goals, working hard, looking after health and respecting others - namely in areas of deprivation and disadvantage.

The death of Adrian St John late last week in Trinidad has shocked and saddened the cricket community, with his loss particularly keenly felt in North London, where he was a valued member of the Chris Gayle Academy.

After correctly predicting England and West Indies would win through to the ICC World T20 final, Chris Gayle Academy director Donovan Miller thinks the side from the Caribbean are favourites to win overall - but only just.

Chris Gayle was fortunate enough as a young man to grow up close to Lucas Cricket Club, where he spent hours playing the game, and he now gives plenty back through his foundation which helps young people in England and Jamaica.

As the Chris Gayle Academy enters its fourth year, we ewre invited down to Walthamstow as the group were put through their paces by strength and conditioning experts Tenax Performance. Here's a flavour of the day.

Earlier this week, West Indies, Jamaica and Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Chris Gayle took time out ahead of the Champions Trophy to launch the Chris Gayle Academy (CGA) in London.

The Academy, run by Cricket For Change and funded by Comic Relief, will also open in Jamaica in 2014, aims to unlock the potential of young people and use cricket as a vehicle to help them become role models in their communities.